Hi there!
It’s Cheyenne from Fontana Candle Co.! If you’ve ever reached out to our customer service email or chatted with us on social media, you may already have connected with me! Today, I wanted to take a moment to share my journey of detoxing my senses and how it’s shaped my perspective.
One of the most common concerns we hear from first-time customers is about the subtle scent of our candles—or more specifically, their initial struggle to detect the scents. If you’ve been a loyal Fontana shopper for a while, you’re probably familiar with the lighter aroma of our essential oil candles. Many of us have experienced the transition: loving the strong, synthetic fragrances of traditional candles, only to learn about the harmful toxins they release and decide to stop bringing them into our homes. That’s exactly what happened to me, and my journey took a transformative turn when I started working at Fontana as a candle pourer. It was then that I truly began to understand the dangers of synthetic fragrances.
After college, I took a position as a receptionist at a boutique salon and spa. That job sparked my love for all things beauty and cosmetology, and I decided to pursue a cosmetology license and become a hairstylist.
As a hairstylist, I was constantly surrounded by fragrances—from shampoos and styling products to skincare and body butters. Breathing in synthetic fragrances for 8–10 hours a day became routine. At the time, I had no idea how those chemicals could affect my health. I do remember cosmetology school emphasizing safety when working with bleach and testing hair color for client sensitivities, but no one ever mentioned the dangers of synthetic fragrances in salon products. I even recall passing around a tub of rose-scented bleach with my classmates, each of us leaning in to inhale the fragrant "rose" smell without a second thought.
After a few years in the hair industry, I found myself longing for a more stable income and better work-life balance. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was time to move on.
That’s when I stumbled upon a small, local company hiring for a candle pourer. I’ve always loved candles and would often spend Saturdays wandering through the candle aisle at TJ Maxx, picking out the perfect scent. Little did I know how much working at Fontana would change my perspective.
I accepted the position and quickly began training. On the manufacturing side of Fontana, I didn’t initially learn all the in-depth details about synthetic fragrances—I just knew the candles we made were a healthier alternative. Naturally, I had to bring a few home to try for myself!
I’ll admit it: the first candle I brought home was Cinnamon Orange Clove, one of our best-sellers. But when I lit it, I couldn’t smell much at all. In fact, I wasn’t even a fan of the wooden wick at first. Over time, though, I continued to burn different scents, and while not every scent resonated with me immediately, I began to understand what made these candles special.
About eight months into my role, I approached co-founder and CMO, Katie Roering with a request: I wanted to be considered for an open position in the marketing department. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to interview, and shortly after, I was offered the job. My new role in marketing began in January 2024.
Now, over a year into this position, I can say so much has changed—not just in my professional life but also in how I view our product and mission at Fontana Candle Company. Transitioning to the marketing side required me to truly immerse myself in understanding the brand, our values, and our nontoxic products. While I wouldn’t describe myself as completely “crunchy” (I haven’t eliminated all toxins from my life), something shifted early on in my role. I decided to toss all of my synthetic fragrance candles and exclusively use Fontana’s clean, essential oil-based candles. The results were honestly surprising.
What struck me first was the strength of the scents. My initial favorites were Spiced Latte and what was once called Palo Santo & Grapefruit, both of which are considered stronger scent throws. Over time, I noticed a transformation in my sense of smell. Even our lighter scents, like Pure Vanilla or Pumpkin Pie, became noticeable and pleasantly aromatic as I moved through my apartment. Perhaps the biggest surprise? My fiancé, who initially couldn’t pick up the scents of the candles, began to enjoy them and even developed his own list of favorites.
This journey taught me something essential: There’s an adjustment—or “detox”—period when transitioning away from synthetic fragrances. It reminds me of switching from fast food to a healthier diet. Think about someone who regularly eats fast food and then decides to make the shift to whole, unprocessed foods. After a while, if they eat a greasy cheeseburger again, the taste and texture might feel overwhelming, and they may feel physically unwell. This is essentially a “fast food detox.” Synthetic fragrances work the same way; our senses need time to recalibrate. This applies not only to candles but to all fragrance-based products you use at home, such as laundry detergents, shampoos, body washes, perfumes, and more.
When I speak with new customers who are concerned about the scent throw of our candles, I always encourage them to be patient. Consistency is key, and I assure them that essential oils may surprise them over time, just as they did for me.
What about you? Have you experienced a similar journey in detoxing your senses or removing toxins from your home? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
